Are you unfamiliar with LGBT human rights – and afraid that you may accidentally appear insensitive or ignorant about such a burning issue? If yes, then you have come to the right place. We are here to help you. In this post, we will give you a quick primer on the major LGBT rights issues and ensure that you have a good grasp of this vital topic.

What does it mean to be LGBT?

What does LGBT stand for? The term LGBT refers to members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community. In general, anyone who does not identify himself or herself as heterosexual can be considered an LGBT. If this fits someone you know, then counseling may be helpful in being happy. Similarly, a person of mixed gender (someone who has both male and female characteristics) would be an LGBT. A person whose gender identity differs from his or her biological gender would also be considered an LGBT ( for example, a person who is biologically male but identifies as a female).

What are the important LGBT Human Rights? A person who is an LGBT should be treated exactly the same way as a non-LGBT would be treated – this is the simplest way to understand (and appreciate) LGBT rights. Throughout history, we humans have often discriminated against anyone whom we see as somehow different from ourselves. Members of the LGBT community too have been persecuted and treated shabbily in many countries. Accordingly, LGBTs demand that they be treated on par with other citizens. Here is a video of the rights the LGBT community has around the world.

Thus, some of the important human rights that LGBTs seek are:

Freedom from persecution due to their sexual orientation or gender identity
In many countries, even today, there are laws against people who identify as LGBTs. Thus, in many countries, a homosexual person (to take one example) can be arrested for his or her sexual orientation, tried and convicted by a court, and sentenced to prison. In some nations, homosexuals may even be sentenced to death.

Equal opportunity in the workplace and in society in general
A lot of countries have rules that ban LGBTs from certain jobs. For example, such people are often barred from military service. Similarly, they may be denied proper healthcare, financial assistance and other facilities.

Equal marital rights
Denying marital rights to LGBTs is a common practice across the world. Till date, only a handful of countries permit LGBTs to marry a person of their choice.

Freedom from bullying, physical assault, verbal abuse
Many LGBTs are regularly abused by other people almost on a daily basis. Such abuse makes life difficult for them and can lead to severe psychological suffering.

What should you do? First and foremost, do not be insensitive or aggressive towards LGBTs. Do not judge people due to things like sexual orientation or gender identity. Secondly, do support them as much as you can. Be a good human being and a good friend – it’s not too hard, is it?